Fair Housing

  Housing Discrimination is one of those things that just never seems to go away and can be seen in various aspects of our lives, including when you are looking for a home. However the federal government has passed laws governing housing discrimination. The Fair Housing Act also known as the Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 is the main law governing fair housing and housing discrimination. All individuals have the right to receiver fair housing without discrimination in regards to their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, handicap, or disability. Familial status is just a way of saying the make-up of your family. This means that you cannot be rejected from renting an apartment if you have children under a certain age or if you are pregnant. The landlord has to give a reason other than these in order to stop you from renting his property. Not all rental properties are included in this law, however, and it would be best to talk with a local real estate lawyer to learn your rights in your specific state. The Fair Housing act covers a large variety of rental property including houses, apartments, and town homes that are for rent or sale. The laws governing this act state that if you are in one of the protected groups above, the landlord cannot refuse to sell or rent you a home, cannot refuse to negotiate, cannot change the terms or privileges of the lease, and deny a dwelling that is available based on the above reasons. If you believe you have been discriminated against under the Fair Housing Act, seek a discrimination attorney. You should talk with a discrimination lawyer that has experience to learn your rights under the Fair Housing Act as well as one that is willing to represent you in a court of law. You can also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to learn more about your rights as a tenant. Your housing discrimination lawyer will be able to help you understand the process and the compensation you may be entitled to under law.